USDA Names New Leadership at Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced leadership changes within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Dr. Michael Watson, APHIS administrator, will retire at the end of January after decades of service, and Dr. Rosemary Sifford, deputy administrator for veterinary services and U.S. chief veterinary officer, recently retired from federal service after years of service.

Beginning Feb. 1, Kelly Moore will serve as acting administrator, and effective immediately, Dr. Alan Huddleston will serve as acting U.S. chief veterinary officer. To ensure continuity during this transition, APHIS Veterinary Services Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Adis Dijab will continue to provide operational oversight of veterinary services.

APHIS operations will continue uninterrupted, the agency said.

Watson began his USDA career in 1994 as a plant pathologist with the Agricultural Research Service. He later held leadership roles across multiple APHIS programs. He consistently championed science-based policy, ensuring APHIS decisions were grounded in data and research to protect U.S. agriculture and maintain public trust, said the agency. Watson will remain with APHIS until Jan. 31 to facilitate a handoff to the incoming acting administrator.

Sifford began her USDA career in 1997 as a Saul T. Wilson Scholar and held numerous roles across APHIS. Under her leadership and guidance, APHIS advanced major animal health efforts, including combatting highly pathogenic avian influenza and strengthening preparedness and response for New World screwworm, said the agency. Her direction ensured these efforts were grounded in science-based policy, supported by field-ready guidance and delivered with transparent stakeholder engagement, said USDA. A champion of practical, proven biosecurity, Sifford worked closely with states and industry to protect animal health nationwide.

Moore is currently acting chief operating officer for USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area and acting deputy administrator of marketing and regulatory programs business services. She brings operational leadership experience and results-driven management, including a foundation of discipline from her prior service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Moore is adept at guiding organizations through periods of change and transition and driving efficiency, compliance and innovation at scale, said the agency.

Huddleston offers expertise in epidemiology and program development. He will represent U.S. animal health priorities internationally and maintain engagement with states and industry, said the agency.

“Dr. Watson and Dr. Sifford are dedicated public servants, and we greatly appreciate their time at USDA serving American farmers and ranchers and protecting the national security of the United States,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “I am so grateful for their extended service to support the Trump administration during such a critical time for American agriculture. The team at APHIS plays a critical role in protecting our food supply from foreign pests like the New World screwworm, as well as fighting diseases like bird flu. I have the utmost confidence in Ms. Moore, Dr. Huddleston and Dr. Dijab in continuing this critical mission and defending American agriculture.”

“Dr. Watson and Dr. Sifford exemplify the best of public service,” said Dudley Hoskins, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “Their leadership and commitment to collaboration strengthened APHIS and the nation’s animal and plant health systems. These are consequential changes at a pivotal moment for the agency, and I am confident that Ms. Moore, Dr. Huddleston and Dr. Dijab will not only serve as steady hands for program continuity but will lead APHIS into a new era.”